Teixeira debut just part of big day for Yankees

By PETE CALDERA

STAFF WRITER |

The Record

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Mark Teixeira finally gets to test his surgically repaired wrist in a game today, and that’s just part of what’s on tap – weather permitting – during a jam-packed afternoon of Yankee firsts this spring.

Mark Teixeira is to play in a game for first time since June 15 today, weather permitting.

With one Grapefruit League appearance already notched, Masahiro Tanaka is due to make his first start against the Phillies today at Clearwater.

Alfonso Soriano, delayed due to illness, is scheduled to play in his first exhibition game this spring, and it’s also the first test of the new instant replay rules involving the Yankees.

But the Yanks’ first wish today is a window in which to play through today’s anticipated bands of showers.

"[I’m] as excited as you can be for a spring training game," said Teixeira, who hasn’t played in any game since last June 15, two weeks before surgery to repair the torn tendon sheath of his right wrist.

"Getting back in real game conditions will be nice," Teixeira said. "What’s it been now, eight months? That’s longer than I’ve ever taken [to come back from injury] in my life. I’m looking forward to it."

And Tanaka is geared up to face a more representative lineup of major leaguers than he did Saturday in his first spring outing – also against the Phillies – when he tossed two scoreless relief innings.

"Yes, I feel that’s important – to be able to face good batters here in the States," Tanaka said through his interpreter about wanting to face an A-list lineup "Definitely, I need that experience. It’s real important."

With a ton of international media attention attached to Tanaka’s first appearance, pitching coach Larry Rothschild took pains to ease the 25-year-old right-hander into his Yankees debut.

There’s no less attention, but today’s game provides more of a chance "to see what he feels he needs to do to be successful over here," said manager Joe Girardi.

"[Adjustments are] something he’s going to go through, too, but I think he loves to compete," Girardi said. "That’s why he wants to pitch in those types of situations."

Girardi will have a new variation to experience as well, with MLB’s new instant replay challenges available to him this afternoon.

Managers will be able to challenge two plays before the sixth inning, provided they get the first challenged call overturned. Afterward, plays are reviewed at the umpires’ discretion.

"I think it’s going to be good," Girardi said of the new wrinkle, where most calls will be subject to review. "Are there kinks that are going to need to be worked out? Sure, just like anything else."

The Yankees will practice their replay relay system today, with a coach or other personnel designated to watch the game on TV, and the use of walkie-talkies to communicate between video room and dugout. But the most scrutiny today will be saved for Teixeira, who initially injured his wrist exactly a year ago Wednesday, taking batting practice cuts before a World Baseball Classic exhibition.

Teixeira reportedly took just three swings during live BP Wednesday at Tampa, fewer than he anticipated. Girardi said he’d give Teixeira another day of BP if needed, but anticipated playing him today.

"My main thing is I want to get through a full game, take a couple or three at-bats and not have one swing where I say I felt it," Teixeira said earlier Wednesday. "If that happens, then it was a successful day no matter what the results."

Teixeira debut just part of big day for Yankees

Mark Teixeira is to play in a game for first time since June 15 today, weather permitting.

By PETE CALDERA

STAFF WRITER |

The Record

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Mark Teixeira finally gets to test his surgically repaired wrist in a game today, and that’s just part of what’s on tap – weather permitting – during a jam-packed afternoon of Yankee firsts this spring.

With one Grapefruit League appearance already notched, Masahiro Tanaka is due to make his first start against the Phillies today at Clearwater.

Alfonso Soriano, delayed due to illness, is scheduled to play in his first exhibition game this spring, and it’s also the first test of the new instant replay rules involving the Yankees.

But the Yanks’ first wish today is a window in which to play through today’s anticipated bands of showers.

"[I’m] as excited as you can be for a spring training game," said Teixeira, who hasn’t played in any game since last June 15, two weeks before surgery to repair the torn tendon sheath of his right wrist.

"Getting back in real game conditions will be nice," Teixeira said. "What’s it been now, eight months? That’s longer than I’ve ever taken [to come back from injury] in my life. I’m looking forward to it."

And Tanaka is geared up to face a more representative lineup of major leaguers than he did Saturday in his first spring outing – also against the Phillies – when he tossed two scoreless relief innings.

"Yes, I feel that’s important – to be able to face good batters here in the States," Tanaka said through his interpreter about wanting to face an A-list lineup "Definitely, I need that experience. It’s real important."

With a ton of international media attention attached to Tanaka’s first appearance, pitching coach Larry Rothschild took pains to ease the 25-year-old right-hander into his Yankees debut.

There’s no less attention, but today’s game provides more of a chance "to see what he feels he needs to do to be successful over here," said manager Joe Girardi.

"[Adjustments are] something he’s going to go through, too, but I think he loves to compete," Girardi said. "That’s why he wants to pitch in those types of situations."

Girardi will have a new variation to experience as well, with MLB’s new instant replay challenges available to him this afternoon.

Managers will be able to challenge two plays before the sixth inning, provided they get the first challenged call overturned. Afterward, plays are reviewed at the umpires’ discretion.

"I think it’s going to be good," Girardi said of the new wrinkle, where most calls will be subject to review. "Are there kinks that are going to need to be worked out? Sure, just like anything else."

The Yankees will practice their replay relay system today, with a coach or other personnel designated to watch the game on TV, and the use of walkie-talkies to communicate between video room and dugout. But the most scrutiny today will be saved for Teixeira, who initially injured his wrist exactly a year ago Wednesday, taking batting practice cuts before a World Baseball Classic exhibition.

Teixeira reportedly took just three swings during live BP Wednesday at Tampa, fewer than he anticipated. Girardi said he’d give Teixeira another day of BP if needed, but anticipated playing him today.

"My main thing is I want to get through a full game, take a couple or three at-bats and not have one swing where I say I felt it," Teixeira said earlier Wednesday. "If that happens, then it was a successful day no matter what the results."